The Immigrant’s Journal - Vol. 145

The Immigrant’s Journal Vol. 145

A Journey for a Better Life & Justice

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Protecting God’s Children From Distant Lands 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY 11242

www.theimmigrantsjournal.com Tel: 718-243-9431

Sept 9, 2021

Email: immjournal @aol.com

Felony Reentry Immigration Law Is Unconstitutional Due to Racist Origins, Judge Rules

BY WALTER EWING IMMIGRATIONIMPACT.COM

A

federal judge ruled for the first time in U.S. history that a provision of U.S. immigration law which makes it a felony for someone to reenter the United States after having been deported is unconstitutional because of its racist origins.

Since 1929, U.S. immigration law has made it a misdemeanor to “unlawfully enter” the country and a felony to “unlawfully reenter” the country after being deported. In recent years, these

two “entry-related offenses” have made up the majority of all criminal prosecutions in federal court.

In the August 18 ruling, Judge Miranda Du of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada dismissed the federal government’s case against Gustavo Carrillo-Lopez, who was indicted in 2020 for being present in the United States in violation of a previous deportation order. Judge Du held that the reentry provision “was enacted with a discriminatory purpose and that the law has a continued on page 4

Workers’ Compensation: Things the Employees Need to Know ....2

President Biden is Overseeing a Historic Decline in Legal Immigration ....15

Cities for Action Leaders Call to Protect Immigrants Using Temporary Protected Status ....12

How Can SIJS Help Immigrant Children Obtain a Green Card?

BY CHEREEN JAMES

Q

uite often, the welfare of immigrant minors is raised among news outlets. In recent news, we heard about an alarming number of children being separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexican border and held in detention facilities. But what about children who overstayed their visa or were brought to the United States by other means? They too, can obtain permanent residency through a

Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) proceeding.

SIJ status is granted to children who are under the age of 21, but preferably under the age of 18, as the Trump Administration threatens a restriction on the age limit. In order to obtain a Green Card through SIJ status, a Juvenile Court of their State of residence must deem those children as abandoned or neglected by their parents. A child can be deemed abandoned or neglected when at least one parent continued on page 13

Tips to Help You Heal from a Toxic Relationship ....20

Brian Figeroux, Esq.

Food Delivery Workers Toiling Through Historic Flooding....5

Ready, Set, Go! Back to School Special ....7

WORKERS’ RIGHTS

2

Workers’ Compensation: Things the Employees Need to Know

BY LEON M. KELLY

T

here are potential hazards associated with working high-risk occupations (construction labor, heavy machinery operations, electrical powerline installation, etc.) that demand constant physical exertion and/or exposure to chemicals. In such occupations, workers often suffer injuries, have accidents, or become ill from diseases due to the overexposure to harmful chemicals.

Accidents, injuries, and disease from jobrelated tasks will likely require the employer to compensate the employee for lost wages and medical expenses. To be eligible for Workers’ Compensation, the employee must seek immediate and appropriate medical attention, notify the employer of the injury, accident, or occupational disease, and file a timely claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board (from now on referred to as the Board).

All employees who suffer work-related injuries must get the appropriate medical assistance immediately following their injuries or accidents. All areas affected by the injury must be documented and explained in detail. The Worker’s Compensation Board has medical providers whom it has authorized to pro-

vide care to the injured parties. The employer must provide its employees with such a list. Using any party not on the list may result in the employees having to pay their medical expenses incurred at the time of treatment.

Employees are exempt from having to use a Board-approved medical provider only in emergencies.

Notifying the employer of the injury is a must. According to the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board’s web-

site, injured employees must notify their “supervisor about the injury and the way in which it occurred, as soon as possible.” This is an important step, as failing to do so could again result in the workers having to pay their medical expenses and losing “the right to workers’ compensation benefits,” the website reads.

Employees filing workers’ compensation claims must file their claims promptly. They must file their claims on Form Employee Claim (C-3) “by mailing the form to the appropriate Board District Office,” the Board instructs. “This must be done within two years of the accident, or within two years after the employee knew or should have known, that the injury was related to employment,” the Board’s site states.

Seeking immediate medical attention from authorized medical providers, notifying the employer of the injury, and filing a timely claim are required if employees want to be successful in their claims for workers’ compensation. The extent of all injuries should be documented by the person providing medical attention. It is up to the employees to state all injuries upfront. The guidelines must be followed for employees to collect workers’ compensation benefits from the employer.l

USCIS Extends Evidence of Status

S

tarting Sept. 4, 2021, USCIS is extending the time that receipt notices can be used to show evidence of status from 18 months to 24 months for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status. We are making the change from 18 to 24 months to accommodate current processing times for Form I-751 and Form I-829, which have increased over the past year. continued on page 6

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3

TIME FOR ACTION

The Anti-Immigrant Judicial Pipeline Is Gushing And There’s Only One Way to Stop It

BY GUEST BLOGGER, AMERICA’S VOICE

T

he American judicial system has become an anti-immigrant judicial pipeline — and its on full display, and it’s dangerous. The pipeline flows from Republican Attorneys General to hand-picked United States District Court Judges (usually Trump appointees in Texas), to the conservative Fifth Circuit and finally, to the United States Supreme Court.

The latest egregious example involved Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), commonly known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy–a Trump-era program that forces asylum seekers to wait for a possible indefinite period of time on the Mexican side of the southern border while their cases are backlogged in U.S. immigration courts–that the Biden administration sought to end on his first day in office.

On August 13, 2021, Federal District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in the Northern District of Texas, issued an absurd ruling that reinstated MPP. Kacsmaryk was, no surprise, a Trump appointee. The case was brought by Republican Attorneys General from Texas and Missouri. After Kacsmaryk issued his decision supporting the GOP AGs, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, Policy Counsel at the American Immigration Council, noted aptly, “My God. This decision reads something straight off of Fox News.” And, the FOX News headline blared, “Remain-in-Mexico court ruling a win for Texas, Missouri over Biden admin.”

In theory, unless the Biden administration reimplements MPP, they could be held in contempt of court. As a practical matter, reinstituting the policy is next to impossible. Among other things, the Mexican Government – and perhaps other nations – would have to cooperate with the U.S. to restart the expulsion of asylum seekers.

The U.S. Department of Justice appealed Kacsmaryk’s ruling to the Fifth Circuit. The panel of judges on that notoriously conservative circuit upheld the lower court ruling. An emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court followed and on August 24, 2021, the conservative jus-

tices completed the job by reinstating Trump’s unlawful Remain in Mexico scheme pending resolution of the Republican lawsuit by the lower courts.

What happened was a political baitand-switch masked as an interim Supreme Court ruling. While Trump was in the White House the conservative justices regularly upheld his administration on immigration policies – but showed their hand on this one. Legal observers were aghast. Slate’s Mark Joseph Stern tweeted, “Absolute insanity. SCOTUS’ conservative majority repeatedly cleared away lower court injunctions so that Trump could implement his immigration agenda. Now it lets a single district court judge dictate foreign policy for the Biden administration. This is beyond outrageous.”

At Vox in a piece titled, “The Supreme Court’s stunning, radical immigration decision, Ian Millhiser began with the line, “The Supreme Court handed down an order Tuesday evening that makes no sense “ and concluded “With this order, Republican-appointed judges are claiming the power to direct US foreign policy — and don’t even feel obligated to explain themselves.”

This is new and dangerous legal territory.

MPP isn’t the only policy facing a federal court challenge. Another federal district court judge in that same district, Drew Tipton, recently issued an equally astounding ruling in a case brought by the GOP AGs from Texas and Louisiana that prohibited federal immigration officials from implementing civil immigration enforcement priorities directing agents to focus on national security threats, dangerous criminals, and recent border crossers. In essence, he ignored the Homeland Security Act which requires the administration to set the very immigration enforcement priorities

Kacsmaryk blocked in his effort to end the long-standing practice of prosecutorial discretion. Reichlin-Melnick noted, “Judge Tipton becomes the first judge ever to declare that DHS may not—even in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion—release someone from detention during the removal period. This would overturn a century of precedent giving the Executive clear discretion over these decisions.”

These cases aren’t the first time hardcore conservative Attorneys General launched lawsuits in Texas with friendly judges – and it won’t be the last. Here’s how the anti-immigrant judicial pipeline works: •The Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, is usually at the center of initiating these cases often with his fellow GOP AGs; •They hand-select a right-wing federal judge in Texas, often a Trump appointee with Federalist Society ties; •Those judges side with the GOP AGs leading to an appeal to the conservative Fifth Circuit; • From there, it’s up to the now very conservative Supreme Court. And, now we know the Supreme Court is firmly on board.

Unless the White House and Democrats on Capitol Hill institute changes into the federal judiciary, this is our future on immigration and other progressive issues.

Another recent immigration example was DACA. On July 17, 2021, Federal District Court Judge Andrew Hanen declared the Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program unconstitutional. The ruling emanated from a lawsuit brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, joined by several other GOP AGs. The result was no surprise to legal observers. In 2015 Paxton and 25 of his GOP colleagues brought a similar lawsuit to block the DAPA program–which expanded DACA-like protections to the parents of U.S. citizen children. Paxton filed it in the Southern District of Texas aiming for the courtroom of U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen, who had a reputation for issuing rulings gratuitously continued on page 4

TEAM Publisher I.Q. INC. Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip Senior Writer Linda Nwoke Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Kendrick Williams Anvar Sabirov Email immjournal@aol.com Visit www.ijlef.org www.falaw.us www.cawnyc.com Volunteering at THE IMMIGRANT'S JOURNAL LEGAL & EDUCATIONAL FUND, INC. Internship positions available throughout the year.

The Immigrant's Journal Legal & Educational Fund, Inc. is an organization dedicated to the educational and economic empowerment of all immigrants and immigrant organizations here in the United States. We at the Journal recognize the enormous contribution of immigrants to this country economically, socially and politically. Since September 11, 2001, however, immigrants have increasingly been discriminated against and Congress has passed legislation curtailing the rights of immigrants here in the U.S., broadly claiming that immigrants are a threat to ''National Security.'' We at the Journal believe that these charges are unfounded, unsubstantiated and exaggerated.

The Immigrant's Journal Volunteer Intern Program was introduced to give our volunteers the opportunity to work in an immigrant friendly environment while developing the necessary skills for college or law school. They assist our staff in resolving immigration and other legal concerns through personal interviews, radio, email and telephone contact. They also assist the public with citizenship applications and in researching whether or not children of naturalized U.S. citizens have derived citizenship from their parents. Some of our volunteers assist our legal staff by engaging in legal research and writing letters on other legal issues. Volunteer interns are also assigned various other jobs in our Youth Programs.

Hours are flexible. Email your cover letter and resume or any questions to immjournal@aol.com Tel: 718-243-9431

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IMMIGRANTS’ CONCERNS

4

Felony Reentry Immigration/ continued from page 1

Anti-Immigrant Judicial

disparate impact on Latinx persons.” As a result, she ruled that the provision violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection under the law.

Judge Du’s ruling described the racist history of the reentry provision. At the time the provision was first enacted into law, the U.S. immigration system was based on an explicitly racist quota system intended to keep southern and eastern Europeans out of the United States.

The lawmakers and so-called scientific experts who helped create this system were firm believers in eugenics: the idea that white people whose ancestors came from northern and western Europe are a distinct race that is genetically superior to people from other parts of the world.

Judge Du’s ruling also points out that the law which made unlawful entry a felony—the Undesirable Aliens Act of 1929—was explicitly intended to keep Mexicans out of the country. And the lawmakers who drafted and supported the law were open about the fact that they wanted to keep Mexicans out because they believed Mexicans were racially inferior to white Americans.

Even government prosecutors in the case decided by Judge Du conceded that the 1929 law was discriminatory in intent.

The 1929 law was superseded by the

excoriating the immigration policies of the Obama administration. This was forum shopping on steroids; the Republican Attorneys General shopped around for a judge they figured would be open to their politically-charged antiimmigrant case. Then they filed it with all but knowing it would wind up in his courtroom.

And, that was before Trump packed the Court with right-wing ideologues. Now Paxton and the anti-immigrant Republicans don’t have to shop as hard.

That anti-immigrant judicial pipeline, which has only gotten more insidious, poses a threat to any immigration policy proposed by Democratic administrations.

Ken Paxton and his colleagues know how to manipulate the courts and many judges in their courts of choice know their roles. The “law and order” Texas AG, who is facing a state indictment for felony securities fraud and an FBI corruption investigation, spent years trying to end DACA and is aggressively challenging Biden’s immigration agenda. It is pure politics, masquerading as jurisprudence, For the most part, Paxton and his fellow AGs have succeeded when Republicans chose the forum. However, their efforts to end DACA were foiled by District Court Judges who were outside of their pipeline. And, in June of 2020, even

from page 3

Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. However, the 1952 law incorporated the reentry provision of the 1929 law without rejecting or even acknowledging its racist origin. In fact, Judge Du pointed out that supporters of the 1952 law were also openly racist and commonly referred to Mexicans using racial slurs like “wetbacks.”

One of the expert witnesses called by the defense in the case decided by Judge Du emphasizes just how ingrained racism is in U.S. immigration policy.

Benjamin Gonzalez O’Brien, a political scientist at San Diego State University, says that “it’s fundamentally impossible to separate race and racism from immigration policing.” In his opinion, U.S. immigration policy has always been guided by “the desire to shape the racial and cultural characteristics of this country.”

The ruling by Judge Du is a stark reminder that immigration policy in this country is not, and never has been, color blind. In fact, many of the immigration policies that are still on the books were designed by policymakers whose primary goal was to keep America as white as possible.l

Editorial credit: mikeledray / Shutterstock.com

Chief Justice John Roberts couldn’t go along with their intended outcome on DACA – begrudgingly. But, that was before Trump and Mitch McConnell installed Amy Coney Barrett on the Court. With her addition, the pipeline is complete.

Barrett, Gorsuch, Alito, Scalia, and Kavanaugh are the ultimate dream team for Paxton and his nativist ilk. And, they know the direct and quick route to get to them.

There’s really one way around this pipeline: Prioritize federal district and circuit court nominations and expand the Supreme Court. Winning elections is critically important to allow for the appointment of those judges, but won’t be enough given the current make-up of the Supreme Court. Otherwise, sane, thoughtful policies are subject to the whim of GOP AGs and the judges and justices who share their animus towards immigrants, towards America’s growing multiracial majority and frankly, towards the law. l

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IMMIGRANTS’ MATTERS

5

Food Delivery Workers Toiling Through Historic Flooding Call Skimpy Wages and Tips ‘A Cruel Joke’

BY CLAUDIA IRIZARRY APONTE THE CITY

A

s the remnants of Hurricane Ida barreled down on New York City Wednesday night, stranding vehicles on highways and bringing mass transit to a halt, Mayor Bill de Blasio urged people to stay off the roads so first responders could help storm victims.

But many of the city’s delivery workers had no choice but to go outside to make a living, carting food in sometimes hipdeep water for what some called “pathetic” pay.

Some suffered damage to their e-bikes, which cost around $3,500 each.

“It’s a cruel joke,” said Toño Solís, a member of the delivery worker labor collective Los Deliveristas Unidos, of the lousy wages and tips he received. “This is exactly why we protest and we organize — we need fair wages. These companies are getting richer and richer and we’re only earning $5 in these conditions.”

Delivery workers toiled amid the flood for less than $12 an hour in some cases as the remnants of Hurricane Ida poured over the region Wednesday night. Obtained by THE CITY

Solis made his final delivery of the night at 9:30 p.m. He said he earned just $5 for the hour-long trip to deliver the meal in Brooklyn from Astoria, including tip. His total earnings for his 9.5-hour workday were just $115 — or roughly $12 an hour with tips.

The Few, The Brave By 10 p.m. Wednesday, all of the city’s subway lines were out of service and sections of many major roadways were

underwater, including the FDR Drive in Manhattan and the Major Deegan Expressway in The Bronx.

Around that same time, a Twitter user shared a video of a delivery worker in Brooklyn toting a bag of takeout in kneedeep water. The video quickly went viral, amassing more than 6 million views and garnering the attention of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-The Bronx/Queens).

“Please do not be the person who orders

delivery during a flash flood that the NWS has deemed a dangerous and lifethreatening situation. It puts vulnerable people at risk,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote. “If it’s too dangerous for you, it’s too dangerous for them.”

As more hungry customers stayed home and fewer delivery workers were willing to brave flood conditions, demand for deliveries soared.

Delivery workers told THE CITY that the app’s algorithm assigns workers more than one delivery per restaurant pick-up when demand increases — something obscured to the workers until they reach the restaurant. Workers face getting locked out by the apps if they object to the delivery distance or number of trips.

That meant those who were out Wednesday night were forced to make more than one delivery per restaurant per trip, traveling further distances to meet demand. contnued on page 6

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IMMIGRANTS’ MATTERS

6

Food Delivery Workers

Evidence of Status

from page 5

from page 2

Grubhub, one of the major delivery apps most commonly used by couriers in the city, pays workers a base wage of $2 per delivery, an amount that increases with demand.

On Wednesday night, as fewer went out to work in the torrential downpour, those who braved flood conditions saw their base wages increase to as much as $7 per delivery, said Lázaro Morales, a Grubhub worker in Astoria.

But workers said even that wasn’t enough to make up for the risk — and the meager tips they received from some hungry customers.

“This was the most horrible day ever on the job,” Morales, who earned $277 total on Grubhub including tips after 14 hours of work, told THE CITY. “The clients are very inconsiderate: As long as they get their meal, they don’t care about us.”

Customers, he said, should be more considerate — but so should the apps, said fellow Astoria courier Saúl Bazán, who also delivers for Grubhub. “This just proves what we’ve been asking for,” Bazán said. “We deserve to be paid hourly wages, and then tips. This isn’t worth it. It’s abusive.”

Small Tips, Little Protection Los Deliveristas Unidos, of which

Morales and Bazán are also members, have protested and asked local and state elected officials to intervene and force tech companies to pay workers hourly wages, among other demands.

The delivery workers initially banded together amid the pandemic, arguing that they’ve been treated poorly even while risking their health to help keep New Yorkers fed during the worst of the coronavirus crisis.

Some of the workers who went out into the deluge Wednesday night saw damage to their e-bikes.

A delivery worker in Washington Heights told THE CITY he had to buy spare parts and repair his electric scooter himself on Thursday morning after the night of heavy rain left it inoperable. The man, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation from the delivery-app companies, said he worked for 14 hours on Wednesday for the app Relay, from 6 a.m. to a little after 8 p.m.

And the tips?

“I have no words,” he said in Spanish via a text message, adding an eye-roll emoji. “In 14 hours, I made barely more than $200,” including tips, he said.

Workers Justice Project Executive Director Ligia Guallpa said the organization, which represents Los Deliveristas Unidos, is raising funds to help workers whose bikes and other property were affected by Wednesday’s storm.

A Relay representative did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

A Grubhub spokesperson said in a written statement that delivery workers are allowed to decline assignments and that the company on Wednesday “paused” deliveries “as needed based on local conditions” Wednesday. The spokesperson did not immediately respond to a followup question about when exactly the pause was in effect.l

Conditional permanent residents who properly file Form I-751 or Form I-829 will receive a receipt notice that can be presented with their Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card), as evidence of continued status for up to 24 months past the expiration date on their Green Card, while their case remains pending with USCIS. Additionally, we will issue new receipt notices to eligible conditional permanent residents who properly filed their Form I751 or Form I-829 before Sept. 4 and whose cases are still pending. Those receipt notices will also serve as evidence of continued status for 24 months past the expiration date on their Green Card.

As a reminder, conditional permanent residents who plan to be outside of the United States for a year or more should apply for a reentry permit by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, before leaving the country.l

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BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

7

Family Matters: Bullying

B

ullying is the use of force, verbal or physical, to intimidate or dominate another person.

Bullying behavior must be aggressive and include an imbalance of power, where kids use power to control or harm others, and repetition, behavior that happens more than once or has the potential to happen more than once, StopBullying.gov says. This includes making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.

Three Types of Bullying Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things about someone. It includes teasing, name-calling, inappropriate comments, taunting or threatening someone.

Social bullying or relational bullying involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships, including leaving someone out of an activity on purpose, telling other students not to be friends with someone, spreading rumors and embarrassing someone in public.

Physical bullying involves hurting another student or their possessions, including hitting, kicking, pinching, spitting, tripping or pushing, taking or

Responding to Bullying It’s up to adults to stop bullying as soon as they see it. They should intervene immediately, even if it means grabbing another adult to help. Next, separate the kids involved and make sure everyone is safe. Meet any immediate medical or mental health needs while staying calm and reassuring all the kids present.

Model respectful behavior whenever you intervene.

Get police or medical attention immediately if a weapon is involved or if there are threats of serious physical injury, if there are threats of hate-motivated violence, if there is serious bodily harm or sexual abuse, or if anyone is accused of an illegal act.

breaking someone’s things, or making mean or rude hand gestures.

Effects of Bullying Bullying affects both the student bullying others and the child being bullied; no one wins in this situation. Kids who are bullied are reported to experience depression and anxiety, feelings of loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, health complaints and decreased academic achievement. Kids who bully

others are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, get into fights, vandalize property, drop out of school, engage in early sexual activity, have criminal convictions and be abusive toward others.

Even kids who witness bullying are affected. They are more likely to have increased use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs; have increased mental health problems; and miss or skip school.

Stop Bullying on the Spot When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable.

Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time.

Parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help kids prevent bullying by talking about it, building a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy.l

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8

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

Make Sure Your Kids Are Safe Online

T

he opportunities kids have to socialize online come with benefits and risks. Adults can help reduce the risks by talking to kids about making safe and responsible decisions.

And, with more and more of a student’s life happening online these days, staying safe on the Internet is critically important. Here are some tips for safe surfing:

Parental Control Tools Filtering and blocking: These tools limit access to certain sites, words, or images.

Some products decide what's filtered; others leave that to parents. Some filters apply to websites; others to email, chat, and instant messaging.

Blocking outgoing content: This software prevents kids from sharing personal information online, in chat rooms, or via email.

1. Lock down personal information.

Don’t tell people your full name, address, phone number or any other personal information. Think about what you’d tell a stranger you met in person and leave it at that.

2. Don’t turn off your privacy settings.

It’s tempting, we know. But don’t do it.

The same information stream that feeds online marketers can also deliver up your personal information to bad actors.

Make sure both your hardware and software settings are as tough as they can be.

3. Practice safe browsing.

WiFi is convenient but remember not to share personal information over public networks, such as those in coffee shops, libraries and other public spaces. Also beware of websites that can infect your device. Keep a good, strong security software on your computer and use good common sense when it comes to emails and websites.

4. Be careful with downloads. Malware is a package of software that try to steal your information. It can be disguised as

a document, an app or anything else.

Don’t download anything that looks suspicious or that comes from a site that you don’t trust.

5. Pick a strong password.

No, not “password.” The best passwords are tough to untangle, bearing a mix of at least 15 characters, including capital and lowercase letters, numbers and characters. Don’t use your address or Social Security number, either. Try using password manager software to help you manage multiple passwords so you don’t forget.

6. Be careful what you post. Any comment, picture or post you put online, even if it’s just for a few minutes, is there forever. At any time in the future, savvy web users can dig up your past posts and those regrettable selfies. Don’t put anything online you don’t want your

mom, grandma or prospective employers to see.

7. Be careful who you meet. If you’re underage, never, ever meet anyone in person that you’ve met online. Ever.

People online don’t have to (and often aren’t) telling you the truth about who they are and no matter how charming they may seem online, they may not have your best interests at heart.

Parental Controls Parents, if you're concerned about what your kids — especially elementary school kids — see when they surf the internet, there are tools to consider using. Keep in mind that while parental controls work well for young children, teens who've been online for years probably won't have much trouble working around them or finding other computers to use.

Limiting time: This software allows you to limit your kid's time online and set the time of day they can access the internet.

Monitoring tools: This software alerts parents to online activity without blocking access. Some tools record the addresses of websites a child has visited; others provide a warning message when a kid visits certain sites. Monitoring tools can be used with or without a kid's knowledge.

Talk to Your Kids The best way to protect your kids online is to talk to them. As soon as your child is using a computer, a cell phone, or any mobile device, it's time to talk to them about online behavior, safety, and security. As a parent, you have the opportunity to talk to your kid about what's important before anyone else does.When children want important information, most rely on their parents for help on the issues that matter most.l

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BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

9

Going Back to the Classroom

S

ince the COVID-19 pandemic started, we've all had to adjust: from the traditional classroom instruction to makeshift living room for virtual lessons. Now, as the start of a new school year approaches, we're preparing for the next stage of our new normal.

No one knows precisely what the new school year will look like — and it's normal to feel concerned in the face of that uncertainty. In this article, we try to help provide some sort of expectations and empower you to embrace the unknowns to feel confident returning to school after COVID-19.

Many students spent all or part of the 2020-21 school year in online classrooms. The new school year means more of those kids will be back to brick-andmortar learning, albeit with some extra precautions as the COVID-19 pandemic waxes and wanes around the country.

As tough as the transition was to digital learning, the transition back to school maybe even more difficult. Some students may have picked up a little extra anxiety about returning to a crowded classroom.

Talk about Anxiety In advance of returning to school, talk to your children about what worries them

and, on their end, they know they can talk to you anytime about anything.

Stay Flexible and Adaptable It's not going to get back to normal overnight, if ever. Keep some flexibility and adaptability when it comes to your student. Know that their grades, abilities, and interests may have changed during the pandemic and be ready to accept that.

Things are different now, remember, for them as well as for you. Give yourself both some grace.

about returning to in-person learning.

Ask questions such as: • What are you looking forward to most?

• What are you looking forward to least?

• What are your concerns?

Don't discount their fears. Hear them out and give them a safe space to share what's on their mind.

them used to different routines.

For instance, your child's school may be eating lunch in the classroom instead of in the cafeteria, or they may be doing physical education differently. Talk to them about all the eventualities they may encounter and let them know that, no matter what, they're going to be OK.

Practice Makes Perfect Review the school's safety protocols and rules with your child so that they know what to expect. Have them consider what to do if their mask falls off or what will happen if a classmate falls ill. Also, get

Check on Mental Health Please get in the habit of regularly checking in on your child's mental health before they return to school. Once school and the chaos of scheduling hits, it's good to already be in the habit of looking in,

Kids Get to Be Kids Again Based on studies from the 2020-2021 school year, CDC recommends schools maintain at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms, combined with indoor maskwearing to reduce transmission risk. The Department of Education recently released guidelines for going back to school, which can be accessed at www.theimmigrantsjournal.com. Finally, get to be kids again. This upcoming school year means being reunited with friends, having some sort of regular schedule again, and finally having the chance to show off those new clothes and backpacks!l

YOU ALWAYS KEEP THEM SAFE. WITH VACCINES, THEY’LL BE EVEN SAFER. CHILDREN AGES 12-17 CAN NOW BE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19.

Get your child vaccinated for a safe return to school. Children who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to get and spread COVID-19.

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BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

10

Don’t Punish Students for Being In Survival Mode

BY STEPHANIE WILLIAMS

A

few months ago, Mental Health America’s Policy Institute held a virtual Addressing Youth Mental Health Needs In Schools event. The event, hosted by Director of Policy and Advocacy for MHA, Caren Howard, had many speakers, including doctors, other MHA Associates, and student advocates alike. Each of whom shared possible policy changes to confront growing mental health concerns. Many aspects were touched upon; the first to be addressed was how the pandemic had affected adolescents. Paul Gionfriddo, the President and CEO of MHA, began discussing the significant increase in the number of young people who took an MHA mental health screening over this past year. The experts and students themselves have seen an enormous shift in their lives, including missing out on major high school events, adjusting to new forms of learning, and being forced to confront their rapidly changing mental health in an isolated setting. Gionfriddo stresses

that the time is now to make a serious, long-lasting policy change, as it is needed now more than ever. The speakers split into panels, where each group was dedicated to making a case for different policy changes, and each speaker had about five minutes.

The first panel discussed the changes that school administrations should be making to further accommodate their

diverse student bodies during this time.

The standout speaker from this panel, Dr. Joyce Dorado (PhD), Co-Founder and Director of UCFS H.E.A.R.T.S, focused on creating trauma-informed policy. This means listening to the community, allocating funds towards trauma-based therapy and empathy, and reducing, rather than inducing trauma. Dorado spends much of her five minutes delving into

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how adolescents’ home lives and needs to meet their curriculum’s standards have pushed them into a fear response, or “survival mode.” This response is, of course, involuntary and affects teachers as well. Dorado calls for more resources for staff because mentally stable adults make for mentally stable teens. She touches on a point that comes back many times throughout the event: the need for intersectionality within policy. The fact is reiterated by many of the panelists that those in marginalized communities are at a greater risk of developing a mental illness. Thus programs must be inclusive to be effective.

Another speaker, Dr. Sharon Hoover (Ph.D.), Co-Director at the National Center for School Mental Health, utilized real-world examples of changes that have already been made to corroborate their panel’s points. She discussed the work that Nevada’s and Pennsylvania’s Boards of Education have done, including committing to assessing at least five district school’s mental health programs. Some of the schools went as far as to partner with many community mental health providers, which gave them access to more resources for students and the school staff. A new learning series is also soon to be released, called Accelerated Learning, which again focuses on trauma-informed assistance, and helping schools district-by-district. Hoover emphasizes the importance of taking care of teachers before school districts lose them too.

Throughout the afternoon, many students joined the conversation, as well.

The standout speaker of those students was Ben Ballman, a Maryland Youth Advocate for mental health services. He discussed his experience at his high school, pushing for changes to the mental health services the administration was providing, and gathering the signatures of his peers. Ballman made an interesting point of addressing his lack of knowledge on what to do with those signatures, as he had never been adequately educated on how to make legislative changes.

Thus, there should also be a push for teaching adolescents how to advocate for themselves until their needs are met.

Ballman suggests workshops and infographics as a means to educate students.

All in all, the MHA did an excellent job of assembling speakers of all backgrounds to give their take on how to help youth most effectively and is actively helping to open up dialogue on community-based, trauma-based solutions. l

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BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

11

Tips for Buying a Laptop

I

n 2020, most parents had the pleasure or not of experiencing digital school, where students learned entirely or mostly online.

It doesn’t look like that’s going away anytime soon, and computers are a more important part of learning than ever.

Here’s how to make sure your student has the best laptop to fit your budget.

Ultraportable Laptops Time was when sleek, slim laptops had a definite trade-off: They were also slow.

Not anymore, with advances in processing technology that allows these tiny machines to work just as well as the big boys. Also look for laptops with rotating screens that can do double duty as both a full computer and a giant tablet.

Pay Attention to the Screen It’s not just because small screens are harder to read. Screen size dictates the size of the rest of the laptop, so, generally speaking, the larger the screen, the bigger and heavier your laptop is going to be. Screen also comes into play if you do a lot of gaming, streaming video or if you’re taking a multimedia course.

Multimedia Options If you’ll be doing graphics-heavy work,

such as editing music or video, or producing renderings, you should look at more of a workhorse than the ultraportables. Look for features like larger screens, bigger processors and multiple ports to plug in all your accessories.

Consider Accessories Whatever model you choose — PC, Mac or Chromebook are a few — make sure you can get all the peripheral items you need. Mice, cases, screen protectors, laptop sleeves, printers and more all need some thought, and probably a few power cords, too. Look for accessories that can hold up to the wear and tear of student

life but are still reasonably priced so that they can be easily replaced.

How to Buy a Laptop Try, if you can, to get your hands on any machine you’re considering. Actually use it to do a few things in the store or, even better, if someone has a similar model you can try out in person. Do plenty of research, read reviews and watch YouTube reviews. Also check out the store’s return policy and make sure you keep all the receipts and other necessary items if it turns out not to be the perfect laptop for your student.l

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IN THE NEWS

12

Cities for Action Leaders Call on Biden Administration to Protect Immigrants from 15 Countries Using Temporary Protected Status

T

hirty mayors from across the country sent a letter to the Biden Administration today requesting that they designate or redesignate 15 countries for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

The countries include: Afghanistan, the Bahamas, Cameroon, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nepal, Nicaragua, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Sudan.

The letter explains how designation and redesignation of TPS for these countries could offer protection from deportation as well as employment authorization for approximately 2 million immigrants currently residing in the U.S. The letter emphasizes how TPS is a valuable tool that would protect many long-standing community members from being returned to dangerous country conditions and offer them critical employment authorization in the U.S., while also working towards advancing racial justice in local communities and facili-

tating COVID-19 recovery efforts.

As the Biden administration considers designations and redesignations for various countries (including those whose TPS designation was terminated by the Trump administration), local government leaders urge the administration to act rapidly in providing critical protections to the millions of immigrants residing in their communities. The letter emphasizes how such protections would align with the administration’s vision of a fair, functional, and humane immigration system.

New York, NY Mayor Bill de Blasio: “As we look to build a just recovery for our City, we must remember that many of our immigrant neighbors do not have stable immigration status. TPS designations for an additional 15 countries would provide peace of mind to these New Yorkers and their families. We urge President Biden to deliver this measure of stability for those who have sought out

NYC and other cities across the nation for refuge.”

Boston, MA Mayor Kim Janey: "TPS provides vital humanitarian relief, most recently needed for the situations in Afghanistan and Haiti, and Boston is proud to lead this effort with Cities for Action and mayors from around the country. New TPS designations and redesignations will keep families together and authorize work opportunities, which means increased economic stability and contributions to all cities. This is crucial to Boston’s COVID-19 recovery efforts, and I urge the Biden administration to take swift action on TPS now."

Framingham, MA Mayor Dr. Yvonne M. Spicer: “The City of Framingham, MA and our municipal colleagues across the country work every day to protect those most vulnerable. Our federal policies should seek to do the same and support those efforts through its TPS designations. In a time when the world is more interconnected than ever, as we have experienced with the impact of COVID19 and climate change, it is not only the smart, but the moral thing to do.”

College Park, MD Mayor Patrick L. Wojahn: “The City of College Park has a long history of welcoming immigrants, including TPS holders, and building an inclusive community that celebrates its diversity. Our city’s TPS residents include families from various countries, representing many cultural traditions, religions, and languages. College Park has benefitted from the significant contributions of its TPS residents, who have gone on to become business owners, homeowners, and long-standing members of our community. I am proud to join Cities for Action and mayors from around the country in calling on the Biden administration to strengthen and expand TPS protections that will keep families together and boost pandemic recovery efforts.”

Mount Rainier, MD Mayor Celina R. Benitez: “As the first Salvadoran and Latina Mayor of Mount Rainier, I am proud to serve our diverse and enriched community, which includes many TPS holders. Our TPS holders are homeowners, business owners, parents and volunteers contributing to the vitality of our economy, but more importantly, they are our friends and neighbors who make our community stronger. Mount Rainier enthusiastically and proudly supports additional TPS designations and redesignations that will keep families together, provide critical protections to vulnerable

Editorial credit: a katz / Shutterstock.com

populations, and boost pandemic recovery efforts across the country.”

Somerset, MD Mayor Jeffrey Slavin: “TPS holders in Somerset are longstanding community members who make our town stronger and more vibrant. I am proud to join Cities for Action and mayors from around the country in calling on the Biden administration to strengthen and expand TPS protections. Protecting current TPS holders and designating new countries for TPS will help keep families together, fortify the workforce, and advance a fair and humane immigration system.”

Minneapolis, MN Mayor Jacob Frey: “Minneapolis has a proud tradition of welcoming immigrants and refugees, whose rich cultural traditions contribute to the greater vibrancy of our city. As a country, we need to do everything within our power to ensure that as we continue welcoming refugees, they are provided the dignity, legal protections, and support all residents should expect. TPS designation and re-designation play a key part in achieving those goals.”

Philadelphia, PA Mayor Jim Kenney: “Philadelphia is home to many long-time residents that come from these 15 countries that have been impacted by war, trauma, civil unrest and climate catastrophes. Our country is more successful when we can provide protection from deportation and employment authorization to our residents so we can keep families together and they can provide for themselves and their families. These TPS designations will also advance racial justice within our immigration system as many of these countries have been left out by the prior administration’s xenophobic and racist policies. This is about course-correcting. Again, as local leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that all our residents feel safe and supported in our cities.”l

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HOW TO GET A GREEN CARD

13 her SIJS petition (Form I-360) may not later be denied on the basis of age.

Special Immigrant Juvenile from page 1

refrains from providing them with adequate food, shelter, education or emotional support, and other issues that can be brought to a Court to prove abandonment—including the death of a parent.

Once it is established that a child has been abandoned or neglected, the Court will order a guardianship or a related custody order so that their needs can be met. The guardian or custodian does not need to be a citizen of the United States; however, they must not have any criminal records neither should other members of their household. An Order from the Juvenile Courts will be used to petition USCIS for the child to be granted a Green Card.

In 2017, Eber, from Guatemala, was granted SIJ relief and obtained his Green Card after his older brother was appointed to be his guardian. He left his home because he was physically abused by his father and both parents abandoned him.

He faced deportation when he came to the United States illegally. His application for guardianship, with the Court finding that his parents abandoned him, enabled him to receive Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, and thus he was able to obtain his Green Card.

Not all cases are as extreme. Sometimes a Court will find neglect if a parent passed away and there is no one else to care for the child in the home country.

Other times, the Court will determine that an abusive parent is neglectful and will place the child with an appropriate guardian.

Brian Figeroux, Esq., the attorney who advocated for Eber’s SIJ petition, said, “too many children who are abandoned in the United States, don’t get proper advice either because the people they live with do not care, or they don’t get multiple consultations from seasoned AILA lawyers.” He also pointed out that social workers who work with immigrant children need to understand that SIJ proceedings are the solution to many of these children’s problems. He further said, “my concern is that those children are missing out on many opportunities to get a proper education and jobs, which can lead them to be frustrated, depressed and suicidal.” Mr. Figeroux extends a free consultation to anyone who needs

advice on this matter.

Here are some FAQs about SIJS: How does marriage impact a Petition for SIJS? If the child gets married before her/ her I-360 is approved, the I-360 must be denied. If she gets married after the I360 is approved but before the I-485 is granted, the I-360 will be revoked and thus the underlying basis for the I-485, the adjustment of status to legal permanent resident, will be lost.

What if the child turns 21 after the application for SIJS is filed?

Fortunately, an "age-out" provision (referred to as "transition protection") included in the 2008 TVPRA rectifies this issue. As of December 23, 2008 (date of TVPRA enactment), a child who is under 21 years old at the time of filing

Is SIJS permanent immigration relief? No. Obtaining SIJ status is not an end in itself. Rather, being classified as a "Special Immigrant Juvenile" enables a child to immediately apply to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States.

In summariy, the process for gaining LPR status through SIJS entails several steps with both state law and immigration law components: 1. Obtain a SIJS predicate order in state juvenile court. 2.

File a petition with USCIS for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. 3. Once SIJ status is granted, apply for legal permanent resident status.

Getting Help Many children, who were brought to the United States by family members or came on their own, should know that there is a way to find relief and obtain permanent residency. The SIJ status is one way whereby they can remain with loving relatives or be appointed new guardians who would care for them in the United States. They can find assistance with an immigration attorney who also has experience with family law matters, specifically with the Special Immigrant Juvenile petition. A legal consult will open the door for a future without the fear of deportation. Call 855768-8845 for a free consult. l

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HOME OWNERSHIP

14

Buying a Fixer-Upper

I

f you like HGTV, the idea of buying an old home and turning it into your dream home can seem fun, romantic and the perfect way to get what you’re looking for, maybe even breaking into the neighborhood or suburb you never thought you could afford.

While it’s not a bad idea, you should go into such a venture with a clear idea of what a house needs, how much repairs will cost, whether you have the time, skills and tools needed to make those repairs and if this is the kind of investment you want to make. This Old House walked through things people should know.

Take a Hard Look at the Numbers Assess what needs to be done, then add up the costs to renovate the property, including the costs of materials and labor.

Subtract the costs of renovation from the home’s likely value when you’re done, then take off another 10 percent or so to cover unexpected expenses. That number you’re left with is what you should be willing to pay.

Avoid Significant Structural Improvements Major repairs like plumbing and electrical system overhauls, fixing the foundation or extensive roof or wall work are

expensive yet rarely raise the value of the house enough to offset renovation costs because they’re invisible repairs. Look for houses in need of aesthetic improvements — a paint job, new flooring, yardwork, windows, new countertops and so on. These are easier to do, they’re less expensive, and they’re noticeable.

Be Prepared to Get Dirty This doesn’t include plumbing, wiring or work that requires expertise if you don’t have it, but for most people, a fixer-upper is only a good deal if they do much of their own labor. Be realistic about how much time you can devote to home improvement and what you’re able to do.

If you’re prepared to slowly renovate over several years, that may be a better investment than a house that needs

immediate improvement to even be livable.

Know Where Your Money is Coming From You may be eligible for a renovation loan tied to your mortgage. These loans borrow against the house’s value after the work is completed, and interest is taxdeductible. The FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer renovation loans as well. Another option for DIYers is a home equity line of credit.

If you're currently embarking on buying a fixer-upper, you may want to contact one of our real estate professionals for more information.Schedule an appointment today by calling 888-6706791.l

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BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

15

President Biden is Overseeing a Historic Decline in Legal Immigration

BY REBEKAH WOLF

T

he Biden administration predicts that it will fail to issue many of the legal permanent resident visas— also known as green cards—allotted this year for immigrants who have been sponsored by a U.S. employer or family member.

The State Department estimates that roughly 100,000 visas for employmentbased immigrants and 150,000 visas for family-based immigrants will go unused by the end of the 2021 fiscal year (September 30). This is the second year in a row that over 100,000 visas for family-based immigrants will have gone unused.

Current immigration law allows the federal government to grant up to 675,000 permanent immigrant visas each year. Ordinarily, 480,000 visas are reserved for immigrants in the “family preference” categories, 140,000 for employment-based immigrants, and 55,000 for winners of the Diversity Visa lottery. However, unused visas in the family preference categories are added to the allotment of employment-based visas for the following year.

Editorial credit: NumenaStudios / Shutterstock.com

Because of the Trump administration’s COVID-19 immigrant visa ban and the close of U.S. embassies and consulates abroad last spring, about 122,000 familybased visas for 2020 went unused. Those visa numbers were added to the 2021 cap on employment-based visas, raising the total number available in FY 2021 to 262,000.

This raised the hope of many workers who have been stuck in the visa backlog for years. But it is now clear that most of those additional visas will go unused and could be lost forever unless Congress decides to make them available to current-day green card applicants.

If the Biden administration fails to issue hundreds of thousands of available

visas this year, the massive backlogs and wait times which plague the U.S. immigration system will only grow worse.

Immigrants from any one country cannot exceed 7% of the total number of immigrants who come to the United States in a single fiscal year. This arbitrary cap imposes unrealistically low limits on immigration from countries that have extensive social and economic ties to the United States.

This is especially true for family-based immigration from Mexico and employment-based immigration from India. As a result, there is a backlog of hundreds of thousands of applications for immigrant visas filed on behalf of Mexican nationals by U.S. family members. There is a comparable backlog of applications filed on behalf of Indian nationals by U.S. employers.

Immigrants stuck in either of these backlogs face a wait time of many years for a permanent visa to become available.

For instance, as of September 2021, the federal government was processing family-based immigrant visa applications for the Mexican brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens that were filed in February 1999.

Similarly, the government was processing employment-based immigrant visa applications for skilled workers from India that were filed in January 2014.

The extra 122,000 visa numbers added to this year’s cap on employment-based immigration could have allowed the Biden administration to reduce the backlog of employment-based immigrant visa applications. But it seems likely that the administration will waste this opportunity by letting 100,000 employment-based visa numbers go unused.

The Trump administration implemented a series of policies intended to exclude immigrants who were deemed “undesirable” even if they were otherwise qualified to come to the United States. The Biden administration began restoring meaningful access to legal channels of immigration but has not effectively mobilized the federal bureaucracy to accomplish this task.

Congress can and should step in to recapture unused immigrant visas. And the Biden administration should commit immediately to dedicating the resources necessary to fully restore access to the legal immigration system. l

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GENERATIONS

16

Prevent Falls and Fractures

A

simple thing can change your life—like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor. If you fall, you could break a bone, like thousands of older men and women do each year. For older people, a break can be the start of more serious problems, such as a trip to the hospital, injury, or even disability.

If you or an older person you know has fallen, you're not alone. More than one in three people aged 65 years or older falls each year. The risk of falling—and fallrelated problems—rises with age.

Many Older Adults Fear Falling The fear of falling becomes more common as people age, even among those who haven't fallen. It may lead older people to avoid activities such as walking, shopping, or taking part in social activities.

But don't let a fear of falling keep you from being active. Overcoming this fear can help you stay active, maintain your physical health, and prevent future falls.

Doing things like getting together with friends, gardening, walking, or going to the local senior center helps you stay healthy. The good news is, there are simple ways to prevent most falls.

Causes and Risk Factors for Falls Many things can cause a fall. Your eye-

sight, hearing, and reflexes might not be as sharp as they were when you were younger. Diabetes, heart disease, or problems with your thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels can affect your balance.

Some medicines can cause you to feel dizzy or sleepy, making you more likely to fall. Other causes include safety hazards in the home or community environment.

Scientists have linked several personal risk factors to falling, including muscle weakness, problems with balance and gait, and blood pressure that drops too much when you get up from lying down or sitting (called postural hypotension).

Foot problems that cause pain and unsafe footwear, like backless shoes or high heels, can also increase your risk of falling.

Confusion can sometimes lead to falls.

For example, if you wake up in an unfamiliar environment, you might feel unsure of where you are. If you feel confused, wait for your mind to clear or until someone comes to help you before trying to get up and walk around.

Some medications can increase a person's risk of falling because they cause side effects like dizziness or confusion.

The more medications you take, the more likely you are to fall.

Take the Right Steps to Prevent Falls If you take care of your overall health, you may be able to lower your chances of falling. Most of the time, falls and accidents don't "just happen." Here are a few tips to help you avoid falls and broken bones:

•Stay physically active.

•Have your eyes and hearing tested.

•Find out about the side effects of any medicine you take.

•Get enough sleep. If you are sleepy, you are more likely to fall.

•Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your balance and reflexes.

•Stand up slowly. Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop.

That can make you feel wobbly.

•Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk.

Appropriate use of canes and walkers can prevent falls.

•Be very careful when walking on wet or icy surfaces. They can be very slippery!

Try to have sand or salt spread on icy areas by your front or back door.

•Wear non-skid, rubber-soled, lowheeled shoes, or lace-up shoes with nonskid soles that fully support your feet.

•Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last checkup, even if you aren't hurt when you fall. A fall can alert your doctor to a new medical problem or problems with your medications or eyesight that can be corrected. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy, a walking aid, or other steps to help prevent future falls.l —National Institute on Aging

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HEALTH

17

Five Tips for Staying Healthy As You Return to School or Work

A

s work and school routines begin to shift again, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. After over a year of avoiding social activity, everyone's lives are being upended once more.

Without knowing what the "new normal" really means right now, it's harder than ever to keep your families' wellness on the front burner. Beginning to re-enter society, going back into the workplace and into the classroom, and interacting with groups of people as you shift into higher gear can be stressful, which can impact your overall well-being.

Registered dietitian nutritionist and certified yoga teacher Keri Gans, author of "The Small Change Diet" and an EpiCor ambassador, offers practical, down-toearth tips to help you navigate your wellness in the midst of all this change.

"The main thing while you get back to a 'normal' routine is to find a balance that keeps your immune system working at its best," said Gans. "The key is to support your gut health, which influences your immune system, because the majority of immune cells originate from the gut."

1. Focus on work-life balance As you begin changing your routines, build in opportunities to relax and center

fermentation process," explained Gans.

"These metabolites are part of the foundation for a healthy gut microbiome."

Examples of fermented foods that may help support your gut health include: • Yogurt • Kombucha •Kefir • Miso • Sauerkraut • Kimchi • Sourdough bread

yourself. Whether that means listening to an inspiring podcast during your commute, making time for yoga or meditation or taking a moment to connect with your loved ones, don't let your to-do list run your life.

"Scheduling time for self-care is really important," recommended Gans.

"Whether it's first thing in the morning, during your lunch hour or after work, finding a half hour to do whatever you need to feel balanced is crucial, especial-

ly during challenging times."

2. Rethink your diet While creating a healthy diet may seem overwhelming, it doesn't have to be.

Gans advises building meals around whole, unprocessed foods like fresh produce, as well as adding fermented foods.

"Fermented foods offer cultures — beneficial live bacteria or microorganisms — as well as metabolites and compounds produced by those cultures during the

3. Reach for supplements to support gut health Fermented foods are a good way to get metabolites as we mentioned above.

However, if you want to be sure you're getting those metabolites that are clinically shown to support specific health benefits, look for postbiotics. Postbiotics contain those beneficial metabolites and compounds that have been shown through research to support your health.

For immune and gut support, look for supplements containing the leading postbiotic brand EpiCor®. It is a first-of-itskind, whole food ingredient that taps the natural power of fermented foods to positively modulate the gut microbiome. continued on page 21

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JOBS & RECESSION

19

What Is the Proper Etiquette for an Informational Interview? of conversation lead to you saying anything unprofessional. Topics bordering on gossip are still not appropriate.

At the end of the interview, thank them for their time and ask whether it would be okay to follow up with them in the future.

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

I

f you're considering a move to a new career but aren't ready to start your job applications, an informational interview could be the perfect first step.

An informational interview is simply a short, informal discussion with someone currently working in your field of interest. These interviews are a great networking tool for both professionals and students.

Although informational interviews are not job interviews, the etiquette is similar. Informational interviews are typically less formal, but still professional.

Practicing proper etiquette in an informational interview is just as important as in a job interview.

Requesting an Interview Proper etiquette begins when you reach out to a professional to request an informational interview. Email and phone calls are both acceptable methods to initiate contact, but in either case your tone should remain professional.

When you first speak with someone, let them know who you are, why you're calling, and how you found their name.

Politely request an informational interview, providing a clear explanation of

what you're interested in learning and how long you expect the interview to take. (Most informational interviews last half an hour or less.)

Be as flexible as you can with the time, date, and location of the interview.

You're asking a stranger for a favor, so it's important to make it as easy for them to oblige as possible. Whether they agree to the interview or not, respect their decision and thank them.

Etiquette at the Interview Treat the informational interview itself as if you were at a job interview.

Depending on the professional field and the location of the interview, you should dress in either a suit or business casual.

Leave the t-shirts and shorts at home.

You should also arrive to the interview location a few minutes before it begins.

One of the worst things that you can do

is keep the person that you reached out to waiting.

Unlike a job interview in which you are mostly answering questions, in an informational interview you'll likely need to drive the conversation. Come prepared with a list of well-researched questions.

It's okay to have this list out and read from it during the interview, but don't stay glued to it the entire time.

Taking notes is both acceptable and expected, so make sure to bring a pen and paper. Just make sure not to take so many notes that it interrupts the flow of the conversation.

In an informational interview, the conversation itself is typically much less formal than at a job interview. It's okay to ask candid questions about the person's company and field, as long as you don't pressure them for an answer. You should also make sure not to let the casual tone

After the Interview After the interview, send a note thanking the person you spoke with for their time and insights. They've taken time out of their day to help you without asking for anything in return, so it's important to sincerely express your gratitude.

If the meeting went well, you could even continue to reach out to them in the future. Informational interviews often turn into permanent professional contacts, helping both parties to build their networks.

Remember Informational interviews are less formal than job interviews, but the standard rules of professional etiquette still apply. If you have an upcoming informational interview, remember to dress well, keep the conversation professional, and follow up with a thank-you note. Demonstrating proper professional etiquette is the best way to turn your interviewee into a permanent part of your network.l

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

20

Tips to Help You Heal from a Toxic Relationship thoughts too much can be incredibly detrimental after the end of a toxic relationship, as you may resort to old, selfdestructive patterns to cope. Bouncing your ideas off other people can help you rationalize your feelings and keep both feet on the ground. Even if it is just sitting and watching a film in comfortable silence with a friend or meeting for a quick coffee on your way home from work, making time for the important people in your life will give you some comfort and purpose.

BY MARY CAMPBELL

S

o, if you have found yourself on the other side of a toxic relationship, first of all: congratulations!

The main thing to remember is you can only go up from here despite how low you might feel, so here are some tips to help you reach that light at the end of the tunnel.

Feel The Emotions Many people are advised by their loved ones to distract themselves by any means necessary to avoid the feelings of sadness that follow a breakup. While it's obviously never nice to feel this way, it is absolutely necessary to go through all the emotions of grief that come with the end of a relationship, especially a toxic one.

Listen to the sad breakup songs, watch Bridget Jones' Diary and the like, maybe go through all your old photos together.

Yes, it will all hurt, but you need to feel that hurt to process the trauma you have experienced. Repressing the pain now will just lead to more turmoil in the future. With this being said, do not immerse yourself in the grief entirely;

feel the emotions, and then let them go.

Make a List or Two Sometimes it is easy to forget why a toxic relationship ended in the first place, so you need to take off the rose-tinted glasses and remind yourself of the things that were not working between you or the things your ex did wrong. While you're going through the process of relationship grief, make a list of anything you can remember that made you miserable, things they said that upset you, notes on abusive behavior — absolutely anything

that reminds you of why you should not be together. Of course, there will have been happy times, but merely focusing on those will only cause you further pain and longing for something that was unhealthy. Keep these notes, and if you experience another pang of relationship grief, reread them.

Be Around People Whether it be close friends or family or reaching out to an old acquaintance to hang out, make an effort to be around people often. Being alone with your

Stop Online Stalking Your Ex The old cliché of 'curiosity killed the cat' really applies here. It's normal to feel nosy about what your ex is up to but plaguing your mind with questions like 'Are they seeing anybody new?', 'They're in the restaurant we used to go to, who are they with?', 'They look great, why aren't they hurting too?' after a thorough social-media stalking is incredibly harmful to your healing. This is especially tough if you were together for a long time; a breakup can feel like losing a continued on page 21

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

21 As You Return to School or Work/continued from page 17

Toxic Relationship continued from page 20 limb. However, you need to resist the urge and remember why the relationship had to end and remember that the answers to your questions will only lead to pain, should you find them. If it makes it easier, block your ex on all your social media accounts.

Reconnect With Yourself It can be challenging to remember what your life was like before you met your ex. Every relationship changes us and our lives somehow, and, in the case of a toxic relationship, for the worse. Perhaps there's a hobby you stopped doing to spend more time with them, or you stopped seeing your loved ones as much as you used to. Now is the chance to do things for yourself because you want to; treat it as 'dating yourself'. Dress up for yourself and go out for drinks with friends, or even alone. Follow a guided meditation on YouTube, order food from somewhere you've been meaning to try, or light some candles around your house.

Get to know yourself and what you like —treat yourself!

Own Your Sexuality Tuning into your sexuality is a fantastic and fun — way to heal emotionally and spiritually. Frequent orgasms are proven to improve your mental health, so using

different masturbation techniques to find what really works for you and your body will allow you to feel more comfortable in your skin after a toxic relationship, which can have your self-esteem at an all-time low. Investing in some new toys to enhance your pleasure, setting the mood for yourself, and really taking the time to explore your body will do wonders for your confidence and sexual liberation. At this point, sleeping with someone else might not be what you need (although that can work for some people!), so focus on your own pleasure.

The road to recovery after a toxic relationship is certainly a bumpy one, and you will have days where you feel like you are back where you started but remember this: healing is not linear.

Above all else, focus on yourself and your own goals with these tips in mind, and you will feel so at peace within your mind, body, and soul —you got this!l

4. Stay hydrated Make sure you and your family always have water with you, especially when you're active outdoors.

"Drinking water throughout the day is crucial for keeping your body in balance," said Gans. "Fill reusable water bottles for every family member before heading out and encourage water as the first choice of beverages with meals."

Water helps your body function at its best by: •Keeping your digestive system working smoothly •Lubricating and protecting your joints, spinal cord and tissues •Regulating your internal temperature

5. Prioritize sleep Sticking to the same routine for waking and sleeping times, even on weekends and school vacations, can help everyone in your family get the restorative sleep they need for optimal health.

"Make sure everybody has time to wind down and slow down before bedtime," advised Gans. "And that goes for parents as well as kids."

Finding balance and prioritizing wellness isn't always easy, especially during stressful times. Focus on the basics, like these tips, to ensure that your body's natural defenses — your immune system— are supporting your overall well-being.

(BPT)l

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WELCOME TO AMERICA

22

Unaccompanied Minors Among Thousands Evacuated from Afghanistan

BY REBEKAH WOLF

O

fficials from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have confirmed that 34 unaccompanied minors from Afghanistan currently in the United States were among the approximately 123,000 Afghan nationals evacuated from Afghanistan last month. With more Afghan children expected to arrive in the United States, their future and what awaits them is unclear.

An “unaccompanied minor” for immigration purposes is legally defined as a person who is under 18 years of age, does not have legal status in the United States, and does not have a parent or legal guardian in the United States.

Since 2003, when a child comes to the United States as an unaccompanied minor, they are taken into the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), a sub-division within HHS. Children then can be reunited with an adult sponsor—usually a family member—if one can be identified in the United States or placed in an ORR facil-

ity until a sponsor can be identified, a long-term foster care arrangement can be made, or the child turns 18.

Of the 34 unaccompanied minors reported to have been evacuated from Afghanistan last month, four were placed with family members upon arrival, and the other 30 were placed in ORR facilities. There, these children face a multitude of issues.

As of August 30, 2021, ORR had 14,840 children in its custody—the vast majority from Central America and Mexico. They are held in a combination of permanent facilities run by private licensed contractors, and “temporary” facilities, which can include emergency intake sites.

Recently, a whistleblower complaint was filed against one of the largest emergency intake sites at Ft. Bliss in Texas, citing horrible conditions.

The unaccompanied children from Afghanistan have been given permission to enter the United States but have no legal immigration status. They have entered on Humanitarian Parole, a process of granting a person temporary permission to enter the United States on

Editorial credit: Trent Inness / Shutterstock.com

a case-by-case basis for “urgent humanitarian reasons” or “significant public benefit”. This may include obtaining medical care to reuniting with family members to even request protection from individual harm. Many of them go on to apply for permanent humanitarian protection in the United States, including asylum or a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status visa.

Permission to stay in the United States for people who receive humanitarian parole is not assured—they still have to apply for protection and can be deported

if they are not successful in their applications. Some may stay in the ORR facilities throughout their immigration proceedings.

It is not clear what type of facility is housing the children from Afghanistan, or how many more will arrive in the coming days. What we do know is that these children have had a traumatic, harrowing experience leaving their home country.

The government should do everything it can to place these children with suitable sponsors who can meet their emotional, physical, and cultural needs.l

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